Alright, let's talk Frost. Specifically, A Touch Of Frost. Season 5, episode 1: "Paying The Price." It's a classic, right? Or is it?
The Case Of The...Slightly Predictable Plot?
Okay, unpopular opinion time. Was anyone else not totally blown away by this episode? Don't get me wrong, David Jason is brilliant. And Frost is always watchable. But the plot? Felt a bit...well, done before.
We've got dodgy dealings in the local council. A missing person. And a whole lot of shady characters. It's the Frost formula. And formulas can get a little stale, you know?
The Charm, Of Course, Is Still There
But here's the thing: even a predictable Frost is still good TV. It's like comfort food. You know what you're getting. And sometimes, that's exactly what you want.
Frost's grumpy demeanor never fails to amuse. He's the detective we all secretly wish we could be. Rules? What rules? Evidence? Eh, we'll wing it.
And the supporting cast is solid as ever. They really add to the world that he inhabits. They give the show more body.
The "Relationship" Drama
This episode also throws in some personal drama for Frost. A potential love interest? Finally! (Sort of.) It never really works out for Frost, does it?
It's almost a running joke at this point. The poor man just can't catch a break. Whether it's with romance, or with getting the paperwork done on time.
Maybe that's why we love him. He's flawed. Relatable. Even if he is solving murders in his spare time.
Did Anyone Actually Like The Love Interest?
Speaking of love interests, did anyone else find the woman in this episode a bit…forgettable? I'm not saying she was badly acted. Just that she didn't exactly set the screen on fire.
Perhaps it's because we know Frost is destined to be alone. He's a lone wolf. A grumpy old bear. He just has no space for anyone else in his life.
Or maybe the writers just didn't give her enough to do. She felt more like a plot device than a fully realized character.
Final Verdict: Still Worth A Watch?
So, is "Paying The Price" a must-watch episode of A Touch Of Frost? Probably not. Is it enjoyable? Absolutely. It's Frost!
It's a reminder of why we fell in love with the show in the first place. Gritty realism. Dark humor. And a detective who bends the rules more often than he follows them.
Put it on a rainy day. Settle in with a cup of tea. And enjoy the familiar comfort of Frost at his finest. Or, you know, just his adequately entertaining.
Don't expect groundbreaking television. Just expect a good, solid crime drama. With a generous helping of David Jason's brilliance.
And honestly, sometimes that's all you need.
